Twenty years in legal practice brings perspective. It sharpens what matters, strips away what doesn’t, and reinforces the fundamentals that stand the test of time.
For Mark Skermer, those fundamentals have remained consistent throughout his career – clear communication, practical advice and honesty with clients, even when the conversation is difficult. It’s an approach shaped by years working primarily in commercial litigation, including property disputes, construction matters and insolvency.
When reflecting on standout moments, Mark points to outcomes rather than accolades. One matter in particular still stands out – a large sale of business dispute where the client faced a claim of more than $3 million. After an 18-month strategy that explored a range of options, the matter settled with the client paying almost nothing.
It was, as Mark puts it, “especially satisfying to deliver that outcome”.
The profession itself has changed significantly over the course of his career. Mark describes the shift as “night and day” compared to when he started. Clients today want answers quickly, and they want those answers in plain English rather than legal jargon. From his perspective, that change has been a positive one.
While technology has an important role to play, Mark has always believed that the core of legal practice remains the same – picking up the phone and having a real conversation. Tools may evolve, but relationships and communication continue to underpin good outcomes.
What Mark finds most rewarding about his work is not the complexity of the dispute, but the moment when clients feel they understand what is happening. Litigation can be stressful, particularly when the process feels opaque or overwhelming. Helping clients feel informed and in control, while working toward a good result, is where Mark sees real value in his role.
Over the years, that focus on clarity has shaped the lessons he passes on to younger lawyers. There is, in his view, no substitute for clear communication with clients, particularly when people are approaching lawyers from a place of stress or uncertainty. Just as important is the willingness to have difficult conversations when required. Sometimes clients are not in a strong position and need to be told that. In Mark’s experience, most clients appreciate honest advice – even “tough love” – if it allows them to properly assess their position and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Mark reflects with pride on a number of achievements across his career. He has won a series of trials, assisting clients who have made the decision to put their case before a decision-maker. He is also proud of the time he has spent mentoring junior lawyers, watching them grow and develop into capable practitioners.
Beyond client work, Mark has been involved in organisations such as the Estate Agents Council and the Monash Business Awards, chairing both for a time. He values the opportunity those roles provided to engage with people from different walks of life and contribute to broader conversations, including advising government.
Strong client relationships have been another constant. Mark’s approach is simple: be straight with people and tell them the truth, even when it’s not what they want to hear. Clients look to lawyers for guidance, and when advice is clear and costs and risks are properly explained, trust follows. That balance, he says, is what leads to longevity – and many of his client relationships date back to the early 2000s.
Looking ahead, Mark is interested in how AI may assist people working in the legal field, while remaining confident that lawyers will always have a role in applying their own skill, experience and judgement when advising clients. Watching that balance evolve is something he finds genuinely engaging.
For those starting out in the profession, his advice is practical and direct: find someone who will tell you when you’re wrong, ask plenty of questions, learn the business side of law, and look after yourself. A legal career, if done well, is a long one.
Outside of work, Mark values time with family and friends, movies and travel. He learned early on the importance of separating from the job, recognising that doing so pays dividends for mental health – something that can be an issue for many lawyers.
If there is one phrase that reflects his approach to both law and career, it is his favourite quote: Keep on trucking.
A simple metaphor, and one that captures resilience, consistency and commitment over time.
As MST Lawyers marks Mark Skermer’s 20 years in the profession, it is those qualities – clarity, honesty and steadiness – that continue to define his contribution to clients, colleagues and the firm.
Congratulations Mark!
